A guide to pumpkin patches in San Diego County

It’s autumn. The season for costumes, candy and - pumpkins. And with Halloween creeping up, it’s time to find the perfect orange orb to carve up for your holiday decorating. To help you in your search for the “Great Pumpkin,” we’ve harvested a list of venues brimming with gourds of all shapes and sizes along with other family-friendly autumnal activities.

ABC Tree Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Oct. 31. Visitors will find pumpkins, gourds, pumpkin accessories, snacks and beverages. Free admission. There is an admission fee for inflatable amusements for ages 2-14. Prices range from $10 for 30 minutes and $15 for 60 minutes. All-day passes are available for $25. Discount coupons are available on the website. 4000 Plaza Drive, Oceanside. abctreefarms.net/california/pumpkin/location/oceanside.

The Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Oct. 31. Along with a variety of pumpkins, this seaside patch offers tractor rides, corn maze, pumpkin painting station, story time, face painting, live entertainment and local vendors on the weekends. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, 1000 Cannon Drive, Carlsbad. (760) 603-9608.

Del Mar Pumpkin Station: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 29. This pumpkin station offers two giant slides, a game zone, rides, including an antique carousel and a petting zoo. Free parking and admission. Nominal fee for rides, giant slides, inflatables, play center and petting zoo. Del Mar Fairgrounds, east parking lot next to the driving range, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. (858) 566-7466 or pumpkinstation.com

El Cajon Pumpkin Station: Open 3 to 9 p.m., through Oct. 31. East County residents don’t have to travel far for their pumpkins. This station also offers slides and rides, a game zone, play center and Ferris wheel. Free parking and admission. Nominal fee for attractions. Parkway Plaza Shopping Center, 415 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon. (858) 566-7466 or pumpkinstation.com

PB Pumpkin Patch: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends, through Oct. 31. This beachside pumpkin patch offers a large selection of pumpkins - from mini to 150 pounds. There’s also a designated carving station and painting area, free hot apple cider and shaved ice for the kids. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free admission and parking. 870 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. (858) 483-0329 or pbpumpkinpatch.com

Peltzer Pumpkin Farms: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, through Oct. 30; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Enjoy the first-fruits of the season at this family-run farm. Along with pumpkins, there are train rides, pony rides, farm animals and pig races. Mine for gems or visit the tractor garden featuring a restored John Deere tractor collection. Free parking and admission. Nominal fee for attractions; pig races and tractor garden are free. 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. (951) 695-1115 or peltzerfarms.com

Stehly Farms Organics Pumpkin Patch: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8. This third-generation-run family farm welcomes visitors for a day of festivities, including a guided tour, petting zoo and train ride. Meander through a corn maze, take a family picture at the photo station or stop by the Farmers Market stand and pick-your-own pumpkins. There’s also a food concession, including farm-fresh pizzas, tacos, salads, smoothies and gelato. Tickets: $7 at the door; kids 4 and under are free. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted. 12630 Santa Catalina Road, Valley Center. stehlyfarmsorganics.com/product/pumpkin-patch

Summers Past Farms: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, through October. Wander through the pumpkin patch and pick your favorite pumpkin during the week. On the weekends, there will be a jump house on the grass area and at the coffee bar popcorn, corn dogs, coffee and smoothies will be available for purchase. On Oct. 28, the Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club will host its third annual Trick or Treat Dog Show from 1 to 4 p.m. with guest of honor and judge Shotgun Tom Kelly. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Free admission and parking. 15602 Old Highway 80, Flinn Springs. (619) 390-1523 or summerspastfarms.com

Waterfront Pumpkin Patch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29. Enjoy scenic views of San Diego Bay as you stroll through the pumpkin patch. Activities include pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, face painting, a balloon artist and food trucks. A limited supply of pumpkins will be available for children only on a first-come, first-served basis. Carpooling and use of public transportation are encouraged. In the event of inclement weather, the pumpkin patch will be canceled. Free admission. 1600 Pacific Highway, downtown San Diego. For more information, call (619) 232-7275.